Lisa Stansfield - new Rochdale Youth Orchestra president

Reporter: Jan Harwood
Date online: 19/12/2006

She's 'been around the world' and now she is the new president of one of Rochdale's groups for young musicians. After a concert on Saturday 16 December, Lisa Stansfield was announced in her new role as President of the Rochdale Youth Orchestra. The three times BRIT award winner and one of Rochdale's most famous former residents, she was delighted at becoming President of the Orchestra that contains many of the region's brightest young musicians.

Lisa takes over the role from Sir Malcolm Arnold, the world-famous composer, who died recently. The 'Christmas Spectacular' concert was a tribute to Sir Malcolm and in addition to festive favourites and carols for the audience to join in with, two pieces by the late composer were performed. The junior section of the Youth Orchestra played 'Colonel Bogey' and seniors performed 'Little Suite No. 1' in his memory.

Guest performers for the concert were Oulder Hill Vocals with their Musical Director Janet Tilney and accompanist Stephanie Ball. Guest compere for the evening was Rochdale Online's Rod Barry, who sang two numbers, 'Mary's Boy Child' and Elton John's 'Can you feel the love tonight', from the hit Disney film 'The Lion King'.

Before the finale it was announced that a new President had been approached and had accepted. Lisa Stansfield has always been pleased to call Rochdale "home" and now she is equally happy to have been named Youth Orchestra president. She said: "I am thrilled to accept the presidency of Rochdale Youth Orchestra and, commitments permitting, I look forward to attending as many concerts as possible in the future."

Conductor of the Orchestra, Sue Verity, was pleased to have such a global star as president. She said: "Rochdale Youth Orchestra is an independent charitable organisation run for the benefit of young musicians in and around Rochdale. We are delighted that Lisa has agreed to be our new president and feel very proud that the young people will be able to consider her to be the figurehead of Rochdale Youth Orchestra from now on."

The Orchestra will next be performing at St. Mary the Baum Church in Rochdale on Saturday 17 March. If she has time in her busy and unpredicatable schedule you may just see a famous Rochdale face in the audience.